NBA Player News

With Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert sidelined, the Cavaliers needed additional scoring from someone. Enter Morris, who went off for a season-high 25 points. To say this was a departure from the norm for the veteran center would be an understatement; he scored 30 points total during the regular season and reached double figures once during the postseason (Game 5 against Orlando). Morris will be a free agent this summer, and his days as a reliable fantasy option are in the rear-view mirror.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Diabaté was upgraded to probable earlier in the day. He’s now officially available to play, which will impact the Hornets’ center rotation. Mason Plumlee will likely fall out of the rotation entirely, but this does not affect fantasy basketball.

Initially listed as questionable, Edwards will sit out Friday’s game with a sore right foot. With Mike Conley also out, who starts in Ant-Man’s place is up in the air. Terrence Shannon Jr., Bones Hyland and Rob Dillingham are all possibilities, but the latter has been out of the rotation recently. Shannon and Hyland are safer streaming options in Edwards’ absence.

Jones, who suffered a lower back injury during the early portion of training camp, could be available to make his official NBA debut on Friday. While his availability does not affect redraft leagues, the rookie guard’s performances and opportunities will be of interest to managers in dynasty leagues.

Booker’s participation in practice means he’s got a chance to take the court Sunday against the Lakers after four straight absences. Booker’s return should mean less opportunities for Collin Gillespie, but Gillespie still has standalone value. Fantasy managers should hang onto Gillespie until further notice.

Wembanyama will be a welcomed site on the court, as the Spurs will try to take down the red-hot Thunder, winners of 16 straight games. Wemby may face restrictions in his first game back as he works his way back into game shape. His return should mean fewer minutes for Luke Kornet and Julian Champagnie. Bismack Biyombo may fall completely out of the rotation.

A sprained right thumb will keep Branham sidelined against Cleveland, but his absence shouldn’t cause much of a stir in the realm of fantasy hoops. He logged 14 minutes off the bench on Saturday, but that was due to multiple injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. He’s logged just eight minutes per game this season.

D’Lo is a late addition to the injury report, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of taking the court on Friday. He has averaged just 15.5 minutes across his last four outings, and if he is unable to go, Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams would presumably absorb his vacated minutes.

Diabaté sat out Sunday’s matchup with Denver, which allowed Mason Plumlee to join the rotation. With Diabaté expected to play, he could reclaim his role as Charlotte’s primary backup center, leaving fewer minutes available for Plumlee.

Morant is on track to return from a 10-game absence, but it’s unclear if he’ll face any restrictions after such a long time on the sideline. His return should mean fewer minutes for Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer, but both players should be held until Morant’s health and usage are clarified.

Maxey was listed as probable on Friday, so his downgraded status suggests he’s in danger of sitting out against Indiana. If Maxey is unable to go, Jared McCain, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes could pick up the slack using a committee approach.